On Wednesday, The Metropolitan Police seize fake coins totalling more than £4 million from three properties in North London, Hertfordshire and Essex. Most of the counterfeit coins were found in a 40ft freight container at Waltham Abbey, Essex. Police also found some of the counterfeits in two vehicles. In total, four million blank £1 coins and £107,000 in completed counterfeits. Metropolitan police believe this is the biggest counterfeit recovery in UK so far. Police are still investigating where the coins are pressed and believe some of the coins maybe already released in circulation.
Detective Inspector Bruce South, from the Met's projects team, said: "This seizure is a significant blow to the network behind it; individuals clearly intent on undermining the UK monetary system by producing counterfeit currency on an industrial scale.
"It is yet another example of the work this team is carrying out on a daily basis to tackle organised criminal networks."
Three men, aged 52, 43 and 27, were arrested and are being held at a north London police station on suspicion of money laundering, making counterfeit money and fraud.
Royal Mint has been actively helping public learn how to to detect fake coins, I had wrote before in my blog about it; How to spot fake £1 coin. If you find any fake in your change, its illegal to use it and you need to report it to the nearest Police station. Its an offence to own and circulate these coins under Britain Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
On Wednesday, The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has launched a new £10 Queen Diamond Jubilee commemorative banknote. Two million of the notes will be issued, with initial supplies already in circulation. The commemorative banknote, approved by the Queen, is RBS' first ever £10 commemorative note. It is the third in RBS' royal commemorative note series, which includes a £20 note for The Queen Mother's 100th birthday in September in 2000, and a £5 note for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.
The note features different images of the Queen taken during her reign:
The Queen at Epsom Racecourse in 2008.
Official palace photograph of the Queen taken in the 1940s.
The Queen with her family at Balmoral Castle.
The Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Princess Anne attending the traditional Mass for the Order of the Thistle.
The note will be available in branches in Scotland and available to order. Notes with special serial numbers have been donated to some of RBS’s partners - Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust, (PSYBT) Oxfam, National Museum of Scotland, Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Golf Union and the STV Children’s appeal. A charity auction of this note, and other rare RBS banknotes, will be held later in the year with the proceeds going to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Charity Trust.
You can also order by sending a cheque for the face value of the notes (maximum of 20 notes) + £5.90 for Special Delivery postage to:
The Royal Bank of Scotland
Scottish Note Team
Drummond House
1 Redheughs Avenue
PO Box 1727
Edinburgh
EH12 9HS.
Please note that this is a limited offer which expires on 30th June 2012.
I just want to wish Happy Teacher's Day to all teachers out there. I will always admire their courage, patience, dedication and inspiration to teach a person to be someone better. Malaysia celebrate teacher day on 16 May every year but the World Teachers' Day is celebrated across the world on October 5. According to Wikipedia, Malaysia choose 16 May because on the same day in 1956, the Federal Legislative Council of the Federation of Malaya endorsed the Razak Report, one of four reports of the Education Committee regarding education in Malaysia. The document, known as the Razak Report after Tun Abdul Razak who was Education Minister at the time, has been the basis of education in Malaysia ever since.
Malaysia Central Bank (BNM) has not minted any Teacher's Day coin yet but I manage to found a coin by Egypt that related to education. On the reverse of the coin show teachers, back to back and students, wreath in background. On the obverse show denomination divides dates, legend above. Only 1,000,000 of this copper-nickel coins has been minted.
The new banknote had stir some controversy when some Canadian look at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial as a twin towers-World Trade Center before it was destroyed in a terrorist attack on 11 September 2001. To make matter worse, they can also see three topless women on the banknote reverse, on the top of the towers. Images of the new Canada $20 polymer banknote has been released by Bank of Canada on 2 May 2012. The notes will only available for public circulation starting November 2012. The tower is exactly a symbol of Justice, Peace and Hope on the WWI memorial in France.
The new banknote has been presented by Canada Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty and Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney at their head office, on Wellington Street in Ottawa, Canada. To raise public awareness about the new note, the building’s north-east corner now features seven-storey high images of both sides of the polymer $20. The $20 bill, which accounts for over 50 per cent of all bank notes in circulation and is the main note dispensed by automated banking machines (ABMs), will begin circulating in November of this year. To prepare for the new notes, the Bank is working closely with financial institutions and manufacturers of bank note equipment to ensure a smooth transition to polymer. The Bank is also providing authentication training and support materials to law enforcement officers and to cash handlers in retail and financial institutions.
The banknote obverse show a new portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, who is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year.
Portrait: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Signatures: Left – T. Macklem, Right – M. J. Carney
Size: 152.4 x 69.85 mm (6.0 x 2.75 inches)
Issue Date: November 2012
The banknote reverse pays tribute to the contributions and sacrifices of Canadian men and women in all military conflicts, and features the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is featured on the new $20 note as a tribute to Canada’s contributions and sacrifices in military conflicts throughout its history. Located on the site of the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France was erected in honour of Canadian service during the First World War.
The themes of all of the denominations are:
$100 Medical Innovation – celebrates Canadian innovations in the field of medicine (Portrait: Sir Robert Borden)
$50 CCGS Amundsen, Research Icebreaker – reflects Canada’s commitment to Arctic research and the development and protection of northern communities (Portrait: Sir William Lyon Mackenzie King)
$20 The Canadian National Vimy Memorial – evokes the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians in conflicts throughout our history (Portrait: HM Queen Elizabeth II)
$10 The Canadian train – represents Canada’s great technical feat of linking its eastern and western frontiers by what was, at the time, the longest railway ever built (Portrait: Sir John A. Macdonald)
$5 Canadarm2 and Dextre – symbolize Canada’s continuing contribution to the international space program through robotics innovation (Portrait: Sir Wilfrid Laurier)
On 5th August 2012, it will be the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe passing. Today, The Perth Mint has released a special commemorative coin to celebrate the occasion. Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the Marilyn Monroe™ coin depicts a photographic image of the actress set against a background of film with stars. The design also includes a representation of Marilyn’s signature and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The coin only have 12,500 pieces mintage and will be presented in a prestigious display case illustrated with the image of Marilyn Monroe and a film roll.
The coin reverse show a photographic image of Marilyn Monroe set against a background of film and stars. The design also includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and a representation of Marilyn’s signature. Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu. The coin obverse shows the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.
An American actress, singer and model who graced the screen with her luminous beauty, Marilyn Monroe was considered the epitome of the blond bombshell. Marilyn Monroe ( 1 June 1926 – 5 August 1962) was born Norma Jeane Mortenson and baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Monroe began her career as a model, which led to a film contract in 1946. Her early film appearances were minor but well received. By 1953, Monroe had progressed to the leading roles in many popular films of her time, with her talent hailed by critics. During her career, Marilyn received a prestigious BAFTA award and a Golden Globe.
Priced at $110, the 2012 Marilyn Monroe™ 1oz Silver Coin is available from The Perth Mint on toll free 1800 098 817 (Australia), +61 8 9421 7218 (International) or www.perthmint.com.au.
"Happy Labour Day Malaysia!"
"Selamat Hari Buruh!"
"Happy Employee Day!"
Last night, 30 April 2012, Malaysia Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announces "minimum wage for private sector" at a special gathering with thousands of private sector employees at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. It is a gift to all Malaysia private sector employees from the government and to make sure Malaysia don't depend on foreign workers in the future. Many people expect the minimum wage of between RM1,200 and RM1,500 but Najib said If it is set beyond the RM900 (basic salary) level, it would affect the economy, labour market and the entry foreign workers. the minimum wage would be reviewed from time to time in tandem with the country's affordability, productivity and competitiveness.
The minimum monthly wage for private sector employees:
In the Peninsular Malaysia, the minimum wage has been set at RM900 or RM4.33 per hour.
In Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan, the minimum wage has been set at RM800 or RM3.85 per hour.
Additional information for employers:
The rates will take effect six months from the date the Minimum Wage Order (Perintah Gaji Minimum) is gazetted.
The effective date for small-time employers or micro enterprises is extended by another six months in order to give them the space and opportunity to make preparation so that their businesses would not be affected, he said.
The 12-month grace period did not cover professional firms such as dental and medical clinics, legal, architecture and consultants.
Even if they had five employees or less, they were required to implement the minimum wage within six months after the Order was gazetted.
The grace period (6 months) was sufficient for employers to re-structure salaries and their business operations.
The Government is providing a flexible implementation mechanism so those who are really unable to implement the minimum wage can appeal for an extension. We have also prepared a mechanism where some allowances or fixed cash payments are allowed to be absorbed in the calculation for minimum wage. This is to ensure that its implementation does not burden the employers while the employees will not lose,
The different rate of minimum wage between the Peninsular and Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan was due the variation in wage structures and the noticeable cost of living in those places.
Do you think all employers in Malaysia will follow these new minimum wage? I had seen factory in Sabah and Sarawak paid their labour around RM350 per month. The new rules will mean the employers need to pay double to their employee. Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah minimum wage also a little bit lower then Peninsular because of "low cost of living" in that places? Owh.., really? Wasn't the price of rice are more expensive in that place compare to Peninsular Malaysia? last time, the price of RON95 is cheaper then Peninsular but that had been change long time ago. Many of my Sabahan and Sarawakian friends are discussing these, I think Datuk Seri Najib recent visit to these two states doesn't enlight him about the cost of living there.
Today is holiday.., just remember not to wake up and go to your office in the morning.
Today mark one year of The Royal Wedding, Happy 1st anniversary to Prince William and Kate Middleton. The wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine Middleton took place on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London. Last year, many mint are producing the Royal Wedding coins. Some coins are minted in gold, while some other are minted in Silver. The coins has became a valuable collectibles for fan of the famous couple in the world. Today, I am sharing some of the coins that I had been sharing in this blog to celebrate the Royal Wedding Anniversary.
Royal Wedding coins of Prince William & Kate Middleton 2011:
Royal Mint Official Royal Wedding coin 2011
The only Official Royal Wedding UK coin has gone into production on 17 March 2011 at the Royal Mint in Llantrisant, South Wales. Approved by the Royal Household and the Government, the coin features relaxed, modern portraits of the couple, an approach also evident in the informal use of their names and the date of the wedding circulating their portraits. The obverse bears a portrait of Prince William’s grandmother, The Queen. The coin has been designed by Mark Richards, Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, following an invitation- only tender process involving a handful of British sculptors.
Royal Wedding gold kilo coin
The Royal Mint has been releasing a Royal Wedding gold kilo coin a day before the Royal Wedding ceremony on 29 April 2011. The 22 carat gold kilo coins, featuring a traditional portrait of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton, have been struck at its site in Llantrisant, South Wales. Each kilo coin is 10 centimetres in diameter, nearly four and a half times the size of a standard £1 coin. Produced individually and finished by hand, the Alderney coins have a face value of £1,000, which is five hundred times greater than the highest value coin in circulation – the £2 coin. The coin selling for £40,000, making them amongst the most expensive, rare and exclusive items to commemorate the Royal Wedding.
Birmingham Mint Royal Wedding Medal
This is a medal created by Birmingham Mint with no monetary value but it became popular most probably because of its design. The medal features a picture of the engaged couple and on its reverse is the date of their marriage and the initials C and W. Around 50,000 are being produced at the Birmingham Mint in honour of the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
£5 Royal Wedding Platinum Piedfort Coin
The only wedding coins in Platinum. Extremely rare and tarnish resistant, this precious silver-white metal makes a fitting tribute to Prince William and his bride. Only 200 Platinum coins will be made available by Royal Mint.
The Royal Canadian Mint's $20 fine silver collector coin displays an exquisite engraving on its reverse side of the newly engaged HRH Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton. This design was created by accomplished Canadian artist and coin designer Laurie McGaw of Guelph, Ontario and expertly engraved by Mint Engraver Jose Osio. The obverse or “face” side of this coin features the effigy of Prince William's grandmother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created by Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt in 2003. Inserted beneath their romantic portrait is a CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements sapphire-coloured crystal reminiscent of the 18-carat sapphire and diamond engagement ring presented by Prince William to his fiancée and which had once belonged to his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.
Perth Mint Royal Wedding 1oz silver proof coin struck from 1 ounce of 99.9% pure silver. No more than 12,500 of these coins will be released by The Perth Mint, maximum 5 coins per customer. The reverse design bears an official image of the happy couple, the beaming smiles on their jubilant faces realistically portrayed in colour. The design also includes an intricately-detailed, sculpture of Westminster Abbey in the background. The reverse of the coin also features the inscriptions ‘Royal Wedding 29.04.2011’ and ‘H.R.H. Prince William of Wales & Miss Catherine Middleton’.
Like many other new coins that introduced into circulation at an early stage, new Canada Loonie and Toonie are having the same problem as Malaysia new coins, some parking meters and coin operated machines don't accept this new coins. CBC News reported that New loonies and toonies are causing problems for people using coin-operated parking meters in Winnipeg. According to an official with the Winnipeg Parking Authority, Colin Stewart, Some of the machines are not accepting the new coins. This is because the parking meter has not been calibrate to accept the new coins because the new coins have a different electro-magnetic signature than older ones. Because of that, they are falling into meters without registering. The problem affected older machine since a machine that under 6 years of age can be calibrate faster. According to Don Rischuk of Vending Design Works in Winnipeg, he estimated a technician may need up to an hour to reset a machine at a cost of about $65. If you own a hundred machines. That's $6,500.
Picture by Toronto Star: New Loonie
In a report by Katie Daubs from Toronto Star she share an email reply by a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mint said the vending industry and “coin acceptance mechanism manufacturers” have known about this for two years. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individual operators to initiate the changeover of equipment, the necessity of which we have communicated for several years,” Alex Reeves wrote.
On 10 April 2012, Royal Canadian Mint has release into circulation a new generation of one dollar and two dollar circulation coins. The new Loonie and Toonie incorporate advanced security features and are manufactured with the Mint's patented multi-ply plated steel technology. The reverse (or tails side) of both coins features a laser mark micro-engraving, and the two-dollar coin also contains a virtual image and edge-lettering. With the exception of these additional security features, the new coins will have the same diameter and thickness as the current coins.
Source: CBC Canada, Toronto Star.
New coin will bring new problem for users that want to use coin operated machines, New Malaysia coins also have the same problem but you can report it the coin operated machines problem to Malaysia Central Bank.
Do you know, a rare penny or one cent coin can make you million? Almost anywhere in this world, penny or one cent coin has been stop production because it has no more value. It make them rare and a must have for collector around the world. In the past few days, many readers are looking for information about the most valuable penny coins in the world. Some of the coins are specimen coin and they're also wrong metal cent. I had been sharing story about them before in my blog but have not make a list of valuable penny before. Here are "World rare penny list" and their value price. I arrange it according to their highest value.
The world's most expensive penny, a Lincoln cent struck in the wrong metal at the Denver Mint in 1943, has been sold for a world's record price of $1,700,000 by Legend Numismatics of Lincroft, New Jersey. The buyer is a Southwestern business executive, who wants to remain anonymous. The historic World War II era coin's former owner arranged for the entire proceeds of the sale to be given to a charitable organization. This one of a kind Lincoln cent, mistakenly struck in 1943 at the Denver Mint in bronze rather than the zinc-coated steel used that year to conserve copper for World War II. Most 1943 pennies are steel-gray in color and not worth much more than face value. Read More: World's most expensive penny -Lincoln cent.
A 1793 penny known as a "1793 chain cent" sold for a record $1,380,000 by Heritage Auction on 4 January 2012. The chain cent get its name from the interlocking chain with 15 links on its reverse. It were struck during late February and early March 1793 with only approximately 36,103 pieces minted. The coin was made at the Mint in Philadelphia in 1793, the first year that the U.S. made its own coins. Heritage officials said in a news release that the name of the buyer was not revealed but that he was "a major collector." One of the coin's earliest owners was a well-known Baltimore banker, Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Read More: 1793 chain cent sold 1.3M.
A rare 1792 Silver Center Penny sold for $1,150,000 by Heritage Auction on 19 April 2012. The auction won by Kevin Lipton of Beverly Hills, California, who bought the penny on behalf of a group of unnamed investors for $1 million and must also pay the auction house's 15 percent commission. Only 14 of copper and silver 1792 experimental penny exist and this is the third best example (Morris Specimen) of the coin. One of the coin sold at auction in 1974 and reached a price of $105,000. The Silver Center cent was the first coin produced within the physical Philadelphia Mint building shortly after its completion near the end of 1792. The coin was auctioned off at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Chicago. Read More; Rare 1792 Silver Penny sell for $1.15 million.
A coin in Canada also known as "King of Pennies" was auctioned by Heritage Auction Galleries in New York on 3 January and 4 January 2010. The coin is extremely rare because only three pieces of the coin is available around this world and all of them is owned by numismatist John Jay Pittman until his death in 1996. Canada King of Pennies or a 1936 dot cent coin, was most likely never released into circulation. The King of Canadian coins was purchased for USD$402,500. Read More: Rare Canada Penny sold.
The Royal Mint had no plans to make any pennies in 1933 because there were already plenty around. However, a small number were produced following requests for a commemorative coin. Experts have always worked on the basis there were seven. Of these, three were placed by the King under the foundation stones of buildings, two were presented to the British Museum and two found their way to private collectors. In September 1970, during building work, one of the coins was stolen from the cornerstone of the Church of St Cross in Middleton, Leeds. Rather than risk a further theft, the Bishop of Ripon ordered that another coin buried at St Mary's Church in Hawksworth should be unearthed and sold. Today the Mint Museum, British Museum and the University of London each hold one of the coins, with three in private collections. Expert believe a genuine coin would fetch more than £80,000, while some versions would be more than £100,000. Read More: 1933 penny King George V.
A rare 1792 Silver Center Penny sold for $1,150,000 by Heritage Auction on 19 April 2012. The auction won by Kevin Lipton of Beverly Hills, California, who bought the penny on behalf of a group of unnamed investors for $1 million and must also pay the auction house's 15 percent commission. Only 14 of copper and silver 1792 experimental penny exist and this is the third best example (Morris Specimen) of the coin. One of the coin sold at auction in 1974 and reached a price of $105,000. The Silver Center cent was the first coin produced within the physical Philadelphia Mint building shortly after its completion near the end of 1792. The coin was auctioned off at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Chicago.
On the obverse show Liberty faces right with hair flowing behind. The obverse periphery reads LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, with 1792 just below the bust. The reverse has a wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom; ONE CENT is within. Around the rim is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the fraction 1/100 below. Struck in copper with a silver plug in the center.
The coin is made from copper and incases a small plug of silver. The silver was added to make the penny heavier. For a comparison, Canada King of Pennies or a 1936 dot cent coin sold in an auction for USD$402,500 at a New York auction in January 2010.
State of Jersey has released a £100 Diamond Jubilee commemorative note to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The £100 note will only be available from 1 June 2012. This note will be available for sale either individually, at face value, or within a commemorative Diamond Jubilee wallet priced at £105. The £100 note will form part of a series of commemorative events for the Island, including a presentation to the National Portrait Gallery of the Jersey Heritage commissioned holographic portrait of The Queen, ‘Equanimity’ by artist Chris Levine. you can start make a pre-order from the States of Jersey treasury. The note will feature the holographic portrait of the Queen which was commissioned by Jersey Heritage Trust on behalf of the States of Jersey. It will also feature English, French and Jerriais words and the holographic portrait will appear as the main image and on the security strip.
Picture by BBC: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee £100 note
The portrait has also been chosen as the lead image in the National Portrait Gallery's touring Jubilee exhibition The Queen: Art and Image.
How to order:
-You can email Treasury Cashiers at f.cashiers@gov.je.
-You can also contact Jersey Philatelic Bureau to pre-order this item:
Website: www.jerseypost.com
Tel: +44 (0)1534 516320
Email: stamps@jerseypost.comp
Price: £105.
Postal orders can only be sent to the UK, Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and the maximum amount available to order by post is £2,500. All orders will be delivered through The Royal Mail Special Delivery Courier Service. Please note that we are unable to courier currency notes to destinations outside the United Kingdom (UK). For UK orders there will be an additional postal charge.
Over the counter (from 1 June):
-Treasury Cashiers at Cyril Le Marquand House
-Broad Street Post Office
On 13 April 2012, The Mint of Finland has released a 2012 Ice Hockey World Cup Coin. The coin released is to commemorate the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship that will take place between sixteen teams from 4 May until 20 May 2012. Finland and Sweden will host the event with games being played in Helsinki and Stockholm. The polished, proof-quality collector coin comes packaged in a folder which tells the tale of the coin itself. The collector coin is also offered in UNC quality (circulation grade), in bags of 10 coins each.
The 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship collector coin captures the exciting standoff and the key moment of the game: when the puck enters the goal. The reverse side of the coin depicts a player with the puck on his stick at the face-off, when the score is still even. The obverse side depicts a puck flying into the goal and the conclusion of the match. The coin is designed by Petri Neuvonen.
Technical Specifications:
Nominal value: 5 €
Quality: Proof, UNC
Metal: Ring; aluminium bronze (CuAlNi), center; copper-nickel (CuNi)
Weight: 9.8 g
Diameter: 27.25 mm
Mintage: 20,000 (proof), 180,000 (unc)
Year stamp:2012
Designer: Petri Neuvonen
You can buy the commemorative coins via Mint of Finland website at www.suomenrahapaja.fi.
On 10 April 2012, Royal Canadian Mint has release into circulation a new generation of one dollar and two dollar circulation coins. The new Loonie and Toonie incorporate advanced security features and are manufactured with the Mint's patented multi-ply plated steel technology. The reverse (or tails side) of both coins features a laser mark micro-engraving, and the two-dollar coin also contains a virtual image and edge-lettering. With the exception of these additional security features, the new coins will have the same diameter and thickness as the current coins. Old Loonie (one dollar) and Toonie (two dollar) coins issued since 1987 and 1996 will remain legal tender and will continue to circulate alongside this new generation of circulation coins. The patented multi-ply plated steel (MPPS) technology have been used for the lower denomination circulation coins since 2001.
The New $1 Coin
Instead of traditional alloys, and like the new two-dollar circulation coins, Canada's new one-dollar circulation coins are manufactured using the same Multi-Ply Plated Steel technology found in our current 25-cent, 10-cent, 5-cent and 1-cent circulation coins This patented process covers a steel core with alternating layers of metals such as copper, nickel and brass. The resulting coins are more economical to produce, durable and secure.
While the new one-dollar circulation coin maintains the traditional "Loon" design, there is one visible change:
A single laser mark of a maple leaf positioned within a circle on the coin's reverse – i.e. around the Loon design. This laser mark is produced during the striking of the coins using a contrasting pattern micro-engraved on the coin die itself.
Like the new one-dollar circulation coins, Canada's new two-dollar circulation coins are manufactured using the Mint's Multi-Ply Plated Steel technology.
While the new two-dollar coin maintains the traditional "Polar Bear" design, there are three visible changes:
The addition of two laser marks of maple leaves, each within a circle, at the bottom of the coin's reverse – i.e. on the side with the Polar Bear design.
A virtual image of two maple leaves will appear at the top of the coin – a different image is produced as the coin is turned from side to side. The virtual image is produced by engraving different patterns on each side of two-sided grooves on the face of the coin.
Edge-lettering of the words "CANADA" and "2 DOLLARS" are engraved along the coin's outer edge.
I am reading a blog post by sifu Dickson Niew just now; COUNTERFEIT 20 CENTS COIN IN MALAYSIA THIRD SERIES, about Guan Ming Daily report on new third series 20 cents coin was found in Perai, Penang. In that report, Miss Tan, who found that coin said the surface of the coin is very rough, design elements were very poor,colour of the coin was rather dulled. She claimed that the golden colour coating on the counterfeit coin can be easily scraped with finger nails. One question that come into my mind when I reading the news, do the reporter do some research before posting that news? I don't think so, because he/she don't asked any expert opinion in the report. It is just an assumption by a reporter who want to find a good news.
Here is what Malaysia coin expert, Dickson Niew said:
"I personally doubtful on the claims, because by logic, in terms of profit return it is more economical and profitable to produce a counterfeit new coin with 50 Cents denomination then the 20 Cents. If these counterfeiters/caveat emptors produce 20 Cents counterfeit coins, it has to produce a lot of coins in order to have enough of profit to share among them. Their cost of production has to be very low so that they can have a good margin as incentive to pay the runners to do marketing! Likely, this is a piece of original 20 Cents coin, it was placed in a very corrosive environment,thus caused the damage to the nickel brass coating of the coin. Best way to check its authenticity is by weight, anything different from the original weight of 4.18gm is questionable!"
For anyone who still don't know Sifu Dickson Niew. He is one of the committee members of Malaysia Numismatic Society (MNS) and expert in Malaysia coins counterfeit. He collect counterfeit coins to study and understand how counterfeiters are doing their job. Recently, he and another MNS committee members, Lawrence De Souza, feature in Kosmo news about latest MNS Auction last March; Dickson Niew in Kosmo. If Guan Ming Daily reporter are to far from Sifu Dickson, he/she can also contact Bank Negara first before make an assumption and share a false report in daily news.
Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia Central Bank) has just release a statement that Malaysia 4th series Banknote will start circulating from 16 July 2012. On 16 January 2012, Malaysia new coins start circulating for public use but there are many Malaysian who don't like the design and quality of the new coins. Most people cannot differentiate the 20 sen and 50 sen coins since the size and the design are almost the same. Some readers also reported that the coins can easily change its color. Until today, many cash handling machines were not calibrate to accept the new coins to ensure public convenience. Hopefully, the quality of the new banknotes series is much better then the coins. From the current Premier banknotes sales by Bank Negara, we can see some of the notes are torn because of mishandling. Right now, Bank Negara staff are busy educating people about the new Malaysia Currency. Wish they can educate collectors too.
Press release by Bank Negara Malaysia:
"New Malaysian Banknotes Series to be issued Into Circulation from 16 July 2012
Bank Negara Malaysia is pleased to inform members of the public that the new Malaysian banknotes series will be issued into circulation from 16 July 2012. Themed 'Distinctively Malaysia', the new banknotes series comprises denomination of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100. The current RM50 banknote has been issued since December 2007 and will continue to remain in circulation.
In preparation for the issuance of the new banknotes series, Bank Negara Malaysia has been working closely with financial institutions, businesses, cash handling vendors and local councils to facilitate a smooth transition to the new series since December 2011.
Numerous engagement sessions have been held with these stakeholders to ensure readiness of the systems and processes for the issuance of the new banknotes. Vendors of cash handling machines are urged to ensure that their machines can accept both the new and old banknotes series for the convenience of the public effective by this date.
Vendors and other relevant parties who have further queries can contact BNMLINK at 1-300-88-5465 or call 03 - 2698 8044 ext 7307/8658 or email to ncs@bnm.gov.my."
For banknote prefix collectors, you can start collect the last prefix of Malaysia 3rd series banknotes. Just make sure you don't collect the wrong prefix. Try to join discussion in forum or Facebook groups to help you find the right prefix. Look like Muslim in Malaysia will be using a new banknote for Hari Raya Green Angpau. To any of my readers who are not collector, you can also start to collect the best condition current Malaysia banknote that you can find. To my foreign readers who are interested to get the new banknotes, you can read this; where to get Malaysia New Currency.
The 14th Malaysian King Installation ceremony in 11 April 2012 has been a successful historic event that most Malaysian will not forget. Some of you might have been busy and cannot see the live telecast by National TV, I am sharing a full video of the coronation of the new Agong. Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah was installed as Malaysia's 14th King on Wednesday at the Malaysia New National Palace in Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur. The King was wearing a Muskat regalia made of black wool and embroidered with gold threads, a golden short and Keris, a royal head-dress and a gold and ruby studded royal buckle. Her Majesty Haminah Hamidun wore a platinum diamond-studded tiara. His installation ceremony attended by monarchs, state governors, cabinet ministers and foreign diplomats.
Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Queen Hamidah Hamidun
The new king installation are unique because:
Tuanku Abdul Halim was installed as the Fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 21 September 1970 and as the 14th Yang diPertuan Agong in 2012. Tuanku became the first person to hold the position twice under Malaysia’s unique rotating monarchy.
In 1970, Malaysia Prime Minister at that time is Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, in 2012, Malaysia Prime Minister is Tun Abdul Razak son, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Tuanku Abdul Halim installation ceremony is the first ceremony held at the New Istana Negara.
He was installed as Sultan of Kedah on 20 February 1959. He is one of the long serving monarchs in the world.
He is the third youngest monarch to ascend the throne of Yang di-Pertuan Agong after Tuanku Syed Putra of Perlis and Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.
On 2 November 2006, Tuanku Abdul Halim was for the second time elected Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong to serve a five-year term. He is the third person to have been elected twice to this office, after Tuanku Jaafar of Negeri Sembilan and Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu.
Here are a full video of the coronation ceremony, 3 hours 11 minutes 50 seconds:
Full Installation ceremony of His Royal Highness The 14th King of Malaysia, 2012; Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah.
00:59:40 - His Majesty's arrival
01:01:40 - Royal salute
01:45:10 - HRH entered the ceremonial hall
01:48:50 - Installation ceremony began
02:00:55 - Proclamation by the Prime Minister
02:08:25 - HRH taking the oath of office
02:11:40 - Long Live The King & National Anthem
Here are some pictures of the ceremony:
Picture by the Star: Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah arrive at Istana Negara
Picture by Bernama: Sultan Abdul Halim arrive at Istana Negara
Picture by the Star: Tuanku give a royal salute to Guard of Honour
Picture by AFP: Tuanku and Queen Hamidah Hamidun
Picture by AFP: Agong kisses a copy of the Koran as a symbol of the sanctity to Islam, Malaysia official religion.
Picture by Bernama: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak proclaims the enthronement of Tuanku Abdul Halim
Picture by Bernama: Tuanku Abdul Halim kisses Keris Panjang Diraja
Picture by Bernama: Sultan Abdul Halim take Oath of Installation
I think I am not the only collectors waiting for Bank Negara Malaysia (Malaysia Central Bank) news about new commemorative coins for the installation of 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. If you read yesterday newspaper, Pos Malaysia Bhd will issue a special stamp and philatelic collection for the new YDP Agong on 12 April 2012. I envy how efficient Pos Malaysia Bhd issuing stamps for every occasion and important ceremony in Malaysia. They officially announce the new stamps at least few days early before the release date and they also have a 2012 year calendar for new stamps release. While we coins collector need to guess what and when a new coins will be released by Bank Negara.
Setem Pertabalan Agong ke-14
The commemorative stamps featuring portraits of Tuanku Abdul Halim and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah. A complete 14th Agong Coronation 2012 set, comprising 60 sen, 80 sen and RM1 stamps, first-day cover, booklet, leaflet and product summary issued in conjunction with Tuanku Abdul Halim's installation costs RM66.90. The first-day cover costing 50 sen each will be sold on the first day at selected post offices. The best thing for me, stamp collectors can register as a standing order deposit account member to obtain stamps and other philatelic items issued by Pos Malaysia, without having to queue up at the counter. Can BNM at least follow Pos Malaysia system?
Picture by The Sun: Old Istana Negara.
Tomorrow, the 2012 coronation of the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong will take place at the majestic new Istana Negara in Jalan Duta. Its a new history, new Istana Negara for the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah of Kedah, the oldest monarch in Malaysia History (84 years old) is making history as the first head of state to become King/YDPA twice. The old Istana Negara in Jalan Istana has been officially closed on 15 November 2011. Seven of the 13 Yang di-Pertuan Agong to date were installed at the old Istana Negara, which was a refurbished old mansion belonging to Chinese millionaire Chan Wing. The old palace located on 11.3 hectares of land on Bukit Petaling, built in 1928, build by Swan & McLaren.
Picture by The Sun: New Istana Negara.
The new Istana boasts 22 domes with the main one reaching 60 metres high compare with only 2 domes for old Istana, a reflection of the supremacy of the Agong and Raja Permaisuri Agong within the nation and in society. Built on 104 hectares of land, the main structure of the Istana Negara faces the direction of Makkah and is divided into different levels and wings based on the royal institution’s functions. The main floor is divided into the Official Wing and the Royal Wing. The lower floor houses the administrative office, kitchen, store and other support areas. The new Palace with a cost of more then RM800 millions design by Kumpulan Senireka Sdn Bhd (KSSB).
Picture by New Straits Times: Istana Negara main entrance.
There are three entrances to the New Istana Negara. The main entrance from Jalan Duta being reserved for Their Majesties, Malay rulers and their consorts, governors and the visiting heads of states and the heads of government. The second entrance at Jalan Changkat Semantan is used by royal guests, and the third entrance from Jalan Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara, is the route for commoners seeking an audience with His Majesty or those who wish to meet Istana Negara’s administration or to attend events at Istana Negara. The main entrance is where the palace guards from the first Malay Regiment and the horse-mounted guards are stationed. The gates are covered in floral designs of the hibiscus (Malaysia national flower) and in Islamic motifs.
Picture by Sinar Harian: New Balairong Seri.
The coronation ceremony will be held at the Balairong Seri hall within the Istana Negara.The Balairong Seri along with the Banquet Hall and the Surau in the Official Wing could accommodate an audience of 1,000 people. Apart from these three areas, the Dewan Seri Maharaja in the main lobby and a huge concourse will be also used during the coronation ceremony. Also included in the event is the Throne Room (Bilik Singgahsana). The ceremony will take place starting at 8.00 am tomorrow and you can watch it live on TV. I am looking for "Jadual Pertabalan Agong", if you find any, please let me know.
video angkat sumpah Pertabalan Agong ke-14
Picture: Pekeliling cuti umum 11 April 2012-Hari Pertabalan Agong.
+sharse+a+light+moments+with+Queen+Hamidah+Hamidun+(right)+after+the+coronation.jpg "King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (left) sharse a light moments with Queen Hamidah Hamidun (right) after the coronation")
,+kisses+a+copy+of+the+Koran+while+Queen+Haminah+Hamidun+(right)+looks+on+during+the+coronation.jpg "14th King of Malaysia, King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (left), kisses a copy of the Koran while Queen Haminah Hamidun (right) looks on during the coronation")
